Rugby League Unveils Exciting Challenge Cup Draw Details for 2025
The Rugby Football League (RFL) has officially announced the details of the first and second-round draws for the 2025 Challenge Cup, the game’s oldest cup competition. The draws will take place on the evening of Monday, December 2, hosted by the newly promoted League 1 outfit, Goole Vikings.
Revamped Format for 2025
The revamped format for 2025 will see the 12 Super League clubs enter the competition in Round 3, set for February. This means they’ll need to win four matches to reach the final, adding an extra layer of excitement to the storied tournament.
Before that, the first two rounds will feature a diverse array of teams:
- Round 1 will involve 34 community clubs across 17 ties, scheduled for the weekend of January 11-12. Some notable debutants include Eastern Rhinos of the Southern Conference League, Mirfield of the Pennine League, and Telford Raiders of the Midlands Rugby League.
- The winners of the Round 1 matches will progress to Round 2, where they’ll face off against teams from the Championship and League 1, excluding French outfit Toulouse Olympique. This second round will feature 20 ties, taking place on the weekend of January 25-26, with the exception of the match involving York, who have a prior commitment.
“This new format, with the earlier entry of Super League clubs, is set to add an extra level of excitement and drama to the 2025 Challenge Cup, ensuring that rugby league enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling journey towards the final.”
Notable Debutants and Full Draw Details
The full details of the Round 1 draw have been revealed, showcasing the diverse range of clubs involved, from the Armed Forces to the Scotland Rugby League. The winners of these ties will be eagerly awaiting the Round 2 draw on December 2, which will determine their next opponents in the historic Challenge Cup.
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